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Autistic brains set up differently, claim scientists

11 April 2011

Scientists at the University of Montreal have made a significant breakthrough in our understanding of autism.

Their research, published in the journal Human Brain Mapping, indicates that people with autism use their brain differently to other people. They discovered that in autistic people the area of the brain that deals with visual information is highly developed, while other parts of the brain are less developed. The research suggests that the brains of autistic people are organised differently from those of other people.

The area at the back of the brain, which deals with visual information is highly developed, which leaves less brain capacity for the areas that deal with decision-making and planning.

Carol Povey, director of the National Autistic Society’s Centre for Autism, told the BBC: “This study is interesting as it begins to demonstrate why people with autism often show a strong single channel for focus and attention. “Some adults with autism develop their own ways of coping with this experience, some seek out calm and quiet places, whilst others find creative outlets, like art, can help them both process the information as well as give others an insight into how they see the world.